Import Specialist

Client Overview:

Well-established consumer products company that partners with manufacturers globally to ensure quality products are created. The company has decades of successful market experience with a respected brand identity. The organization offers a collaborative and positive work culture, supported by team activities and volunteerism. Our client is seeking a Import Specialist to serve as an immediate, self-directed resource for inbound U.S. trade operations.

Salary/Hourly Rate:

$30/hr - $35/hr

Position Overview:

The Import Specialist will be the day-to-day owner of import compliance, keeping product moving across the border while protecting the company from regulatory, financial, and documentation risk. The ideal candidate can step in quickly, take ownership of open issues, and work with outside partners and internal teams without extensive ramp-up.

Responsibilities of the Import Specialist:

• Audit supplier, contract manufacturer, and shipment paperwork for accuracy, completeness, and regulatory alignment, and record shipment data in internal systems.
• Partner with customs brokerage and freight forwarding teams to ensure inbound cargo is filed and released on schedule.
• Monitor entry and payment activity in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), support the monthly duty statement payment and reconciliation cycle, and confirm broker invoices are routed to Accounts Payable.
• Serve as the point of contact when U.S. Customs and Border Protection or the Food and Drug Administration place cargo on hold, request an inspection, or ask for supporting documents such as labels and product information.
• Oversee express and small-parcel shipments, including samples, sent through FedEx, DHL, UPS, and similar carriers that are selected for government review.
• Reconcile ocean carrier, broker, and forwarder billing, tracing unmatched or past-due charges to resolution.
• Investigate discrepancies in declared value or currency, and coordinate corrective filings after entry when needed.
• Keep audit-ready import files, and flag emerging risks such as clearance delays, duty variances, and missing documentation to leadership.
• Collaborate across Logistics, Procurement, Finance, and Accounts Payable, as well as with vendors, contract manufacturers, and third-party service providers.

Required Experience/Skills for the Import Specialist:

• Proven, hands-on experience working in ACE, coordinating with customs brokers, managing import documents, and handling U.S. duty statements and payments.
• Background in related FDA-regulated industries such as personal care, home goods, food, flavor & fragrance, or pharmaceuticals.
• Solid understanding of commercial invoices, packing lists, ocean bills of lading and air waybills, Harmonized Tariff Schedule classification, customs valuation, and country-of-origin rules.
• History of resolving CBP and FDA holds or inspections.
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and the Office suite, with the ability to independently track numerous open items and competing deadlines.

Preferred Experience/Skills for the Import Specialist:

• Positive attitude and friendly demeanor.
• Experience with post-summary and post-entry corrections.
• Familiarity with international courier shipments and reconciling customs-related invoices.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field preferred; equivalent practical experience in import compliance will be considered.
• Licensed Customs Broker credential or a trade compliance certification is a plus.

Benefits:

• Atrium Care Package available, upon eligibility (including healthcare plans, discount programs, and paid time off).

Job Wrapping ID: #LI-AJ3